Health dept launches intensified outreach, nutritional support drive
A renewed push to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has gained momentum, with the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) hosting a media workshop on July 12 in Sri Vijaya Puram. The event focused on the implementation of the TB Mukt Abhiyan under mission mode, aligning with the national directive of the Government of India. The campaign is being undertaken with high-level oversight and aims to eliminate the disease through early detection, targeted intervention, and public participation.
The campaign, spearheaded by the Director of Health Services and the State TB Officer, seeks to intensify TB screening through both institutional and community-level outreach. With the objective of reaching vulnerable groups before symptoms escalate, health workers are conducting house-to-house visits and encouraging high-risk individuals to come forward for testing. These include persons with a history of TB, close contacts of infected individuals, smokers, diabetics, alcohol consumers, malnourished individuals, the elderly, and people living with HIV.
A major feature of the campaign is its emphasis on nutritional support. Under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, TB patients receive a monthly cash transfer of ₹1,000 directly into their bank accounts to assist with dietary needs. In addition, the DHS has appealed to individuals and organizations to register as Nikshay Mitras, who contribute by providing monthly food baskets to patients. Over 200 TB patients are currently enrolled in the program. ANIIDCO, a government-owned corporation, has pledged financial assistance of ₹6 lakh to support 50 patients for one year. Several government departments, healthcare personnel, NGOs, and community organizations have also contributed to the initiative.
The workshop further stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns, community education, and de-stigmatization efforts. Authorities encouraged basic preventive practices such as cough etiquette, maintaining home ventilation, and seeking early treatment. These messages are being amplified through inter-departmental coordination, reflecting a whole-of-government approach to TB control.
With sustained administrative involvement, from the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary to district-level officials, the campaign represents a collective effort to root out a disease that has long been associated with social stigma and health disparities. The DHS has called on the general public to participate actively in the mission, not only by supporting patients but also by spreading awareness and reducing the fear and misconceptions surrounding TB.
As part of the campaign’s next phase, the health department plans to strengthen community engagement through mobile medical units, health camps, and cross-departmental collaboration. The long-term goal remains clear: to make the Andaman and Nicobar Islands TB-free through focused detection, sustained treatment, and widespread community support.
